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Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Russell Martin 'joined in' with Ryan Manning chant as Swansea City boss voices concern over duo's contracts

Russell Martin still expects Ryan Manning to leave Swansea City this summer following the Irishman's match-winner against Huddersfield Town.

The head coach revealed earlier this year that Manning would depart the club when his contract expires following the conclusion of the current campaign after he turned down a new deal.

Following Manning's decisive goal against the Terriers at the Swansea.com Stadium, the Jack Army chanted "Ryan Manning, we want you to stay", with Martin joking he joined in with the song.

READ MORE: Swansea City 1-0 Huddersfield Town: Ryan Manning strike seals victory for Russell Martin's men

And the head coach says he still wants Manning to commit his future to the club while also urging Swansea's owners to tie down Joel Latibeaudiere - who is also out of contract in the summer - to a long-term deal.

"I joined in," he said of the Manning chant.

And discussing Manning's contract situation, Martin commented: "I'm not in charge of that side of it. He knows how I feel about it and how us as a coaching staff feel about him with how important he's been for us over the two years or so we've been here.

"It's another lesson to learn, about players going into the last year of their contract.

"I think we'll learn that lesson. I hope we will. It's Ryan's prerogative to not sign currently and I think the club feels we've offered a really good contract, which I would agree with.

"Ryan's had an amazing season, statistically for a left-back he's been briliant. I'll never say never, but at this moment in time he looks likely to leave.

"It's (offer) never been taken off the table, we've had a few chats about it. It's the same with Joel Latibeaudiere, we really need to re-sign Joel.

"I think that's a simpler one than Ryan because he's under 24, that obviously means it's a bit more difficult for other clubs to take him. The big picture with Joel is he's a leader, intensity, courage, aggression, the way he is around the place with the staff, he's so respectful.

"I really want to re-sign him if we can. It'd be mad to let him go. He played four positions in the game today, he has unbelievable flexibility and it's been unfair on him that he's been judged as a wing-back for large parts because we didn't sign a wing-back.

"We've had to put him there because we've trusted him, it's not his position, but he gives us everything. When he's played centre-half or full-back he's been outstanding, so we have to try and keep him as well."

Chances were at a premium in the first-half between the Swans and the Terriers, with Ben Cabango going the closest to netting for the hosts while Jaheim Headley had a golden opportunity for the visitors.

But Martin's troops bossed the second-half, with Manning's deflected strike in the 69th minute earning Swansea a fourth win in five outings - with Andy Fisher keeping a fourth clean sheet during that run.

"I'm really pleased with the players. Huddersfield were excellent with what they did and we knew they’d make it difficult, watching their previous games and the run they have been on," added Martin.

"They probably had one really good moment in the game where the guy (Headley) volleys over from a throw-in. It took a lot of concentration to make sure we didn’t give them too much.

“The patience we showed in the game – I think if we have a little bit more composure and calm in the first-half, we could have more opportunities. But I love the fact the lads were relentless in the second-half.

“It's very difficult against a team who go man-to-man and leave very little space. It becomes about how hard you work in your position and there was loads of good stuff.

“In this sort of game, if you score early, it changes the way the game looks, but we weren't able to do that. We said it half-time, we have to stay patient and show a bit more care with the ball, not get anxious."

Swansea return to action against Preston North End on Wednesday night.

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